Himachal Pradesh to patent handicrafts

Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation would patent its products for their genuineness and quality to win the trust of the consumers and create goodwill in the market for the state products. This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, chief minister, while presiding over the 140th meeting of the board of directors of Himachal Pradesh Handicraft and Handloom Corporation and the 129th meeting of the board of directors of the Himachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board, held at Shimla under his chairmanship today (July 30).

The CM said that handmade and handwoven products were gaining popularity with the people, who have developed taste for quality handmade products and were prepared to part with any amount of money to buy such products. He said that the corporation needed to target such customers and make their choicest products available through their retail outlets. He said that with the distinct mark of product on all woollen and other handicrafts would build credibility of the state amongst the prospective customers, who would also be saved from getting cheated for fake products being sold in the name of Himachal Pradesh products.

He said that necessary modalities needed to be chalked out to get the patent registered and for applying the same on its products. He also emphasised on the need to upgrade the marketing system and adopt modern technologies for exploring wider marketing horizons for its products. He also advised the management to study the report of the students from London over the patenting of the Kullu shawls, who were recently on visit to the state to do research on the Kullu shawl industry.

He said that Himachal Pradesh was full of many distinctions in the handicraft and handloom sector, which included handwoven woollen products and other artefacts. He said that efforts needed to be made to revive the old artefacts of the state, which were at the verge of extinction. He said that there were many craftsmen in the rural areas, who possessed the quality of producing top quality products, which needed to be identified and the young generation trained in the discipline. He said that the corporation needed to contribute significantly towards the revival of the rich handicrafts and handlooms, which had maintained its distinct identity for quality products in the market.